What our members are saying

This is what our members are saying about GMC

 

“The GMC bats above its weight as far as industry associations are concerned.”

Jack Fitzgerald
Founder, Think Manufacturing

 

“Geelong Manufacturing Council creates a community within Geelong where all manufacturers can contribute together.”

Jane Fletcher
GM, Godfrey Hirst Australia

 

“The Geelong Manufacturing Council played a critical role when our business changed course. GMC is a critical part of the Geelong manufacturing eco-system.” 

Lyn George
Director – Austeng 

 

“A huge thank you to GMC for helping circulate our recent call-out to interested parties in the waste heat space. We’ve had fantastic engagement from several companies which has been incredibly encouraging.”

Barwon Water

 

What they’re saying about our events – GMC Technology & Innovation Summit 

 

“The GMC Technology and Innovation Summit is an event that should inspire Australians to believe that we can be globally competitive in high value manufacturing. Because many who attend the Summit are already the best in the world at what they do, and many others are creating the industries and jobs of the future.” 

Emeritus Professor Roy Green 

 

“What a tremendous event with fantastic energy. Thank you Jenn and the team. Awesome!” 

Samantha Van Zyl
CEO LoomTex 

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed chairing a panel discussion at the Geelong Manufacturing Council’s Technology and Innovation Summit last week on energy, circular economy and the next phase of Australia’s industrial development. 

Progress comes from working together, integrating across energy, water and industrial systems, and from partnerships that turn world‑class research into scalable solutions. Well done Geelong and Geelong Manufacturing Council.” 

Dr Clare Anderson
Group Director Sustainability, Worley

 

“The lineup of speakers was sensational and the topics covered were inspirational – especially in these challenging times. It was a pleasure observing the cohort of Geelong manufacturers in the audience getting filled with enthusiasm with the messaging and success stories from trailblazing companies.” 

Ebbe Dommisse
Realign Consulting
 

 

“We were proud to be Gold Sponsors of the Geelong Manufacturing Council Technology & Innovation Summit this year—and to be surrounded by the people shaping what’s next for manufacturing in our region. Thanks to the special individuals for putting on such a great event for our community: Jennifer ConleyAlex BoyleLeanne NelsonNicole Rosbergen. Special thanks as well to our fellow sponsors who helped make the summit possible: Deakin University (Platinum), Viva Energy Australia (Gold), and Flow PowerG2 InnovationThe Gordon (Silver).” 

e-Managed 

 

“I had the privilege of speaking at the Geelong Manufacturing Council Technology and Innovation Summit. And the conversation in that room was one of the most energising… the tailwinds are here now and the political will to re-industrialise is real. 
 
Inspired to hear more of the place-based momentum already building in Geelong. Barwon Water turning wastewater into biochar with Deakin UniversityViva Energy Australia building circular plastics capability at the refinery. The Avalon precinct now employing 2,000 people. This is what it looks like when a region decides to build a system rather than wait for one.” 

Dr Angeline Achariya
CEO Innovation GameChangers 

 

“I truly enjoyed the day. I found that all discussions went to a much greater level of detail and honest feedback than I’d previously witnessed. The transparency and courage in the discussion was tangible and highly welcome by many”.
(GMC Technology & Innovation Summit)

Alessandra Sutti
Associate Professor, Institute of Frontier Materials

 

What they’re saying about our Programs

CEO Program

The GMC’s CEO Program “came at a critical time in my leadership journey … I think the program enabled me to be more collaborative in my approach.” 

Participant
GMC CEO Program 

“I learned a lot from the high calibre speakers in terms of strategy development.”

Participant
GMC CEO Program 

 

Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence

“Our frontline leaders are able to identify, lead and implement improvement projects. This is a great development opportunity for leaders”.

Participant 
Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence 

 

Seed2STEM

“[Our daughter] has excitedly shared all her experiences at Seed2STEM with us, opening not only her eyes but our (her parents) and her 5 siblings to different companies, their products and all the job roles available. It has been a great experience for her.”  

Parent 

 

“My time at Seed2STEM has been the most memorable time because it provided me with the opportunity to visit various industries that I was oblivious to and meet many types of people.” 

Student 

 

“This program [GMC’s Skilling the Bay schools program] has been an extraordinary experience for my daughter. It has helped her to step out of her comfort zone, make new friends and meet new professionals but has also provided her with real life experiences in the engineering field to give her a better idea of what kind of engineering pathway she wants to do beyond Year 12. Thank you so much.” 

Parent  

 

“It’s [GMC’s Skilling the Bay schools program] opened up doors that I didn’t know about, allowed me to see that girls can do things too, grow my knowledge about STEM.” 

Student 

 

What GMC member leaders are saying

“Our membership of the Geelong Manufacturing Council has supported my team and the HR Department in creating solid bonds with other managers and leaders across industries in Geelong to discuss and solve some similar challenges – everything from reducing GHG emissions and improving our sustainability programs, to training plans, payroll systems, and efficiency projects.

Being part of the GMC will continue to be extremely beneficial for our malted barley operations in Geelong, supporting our business in all manner of areas. I take the opportunity to thank Jennifer Conley and her team for making this possible!”

Jeremy Thiblet
Australia & New Zealand Regional Operations Manager

 

“A special thankyou to the Geelong Manufacturing Council for sponsoring the Geelong Business Excellence – Advanced Manufacturing Award. Farm foods was thrilled to win this year. It was a great boost last night for our employees in what’s been a tough year for the meat industry with Covid 19.

We appreciate the support, guidance and networking, training and development options the GMC offers”.

Greg Hughes
CEO, Farm Foods

 

“As proud Geelong-based companies and members of the Geelong Manufacturing Council, it’s been especially rewarding to collaborate locally on a project that pushes the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing.
It’s been an incredible journey with a team that shares our vision for a more circular future. Excited for what’s ahead!”

Jack Fitzgerald
Founder Think Manufacturing


“The Geelong Manufacturing Council played a critical role when our business changed course. GMC is a critical part of the Geelong manufacturing eco-system. 

getting the word out through GMC’s networking channels was key to our successful transition. We have also highly valued the input from various experts at the regular events and utilise the training programs to up-skill our employees.

I consider the GMC a critical part of the Geelong manufacturing eco-system”.

Lyn George
Director Austeng

 

“Geelong Manufacturing Council has been a valuable resource for Boomaroo Nurseries, keeping us well informed of upcoming opportunities for innovation and growth, strategic plans within the region and initiatives taken by like-minded manufacturing businesses. Most significantly, networking opportunities and GMC programs have directly contributed to research and development, and innovation projects being delivered within our business”.

Nick Jacometti
Director, Boomaroo Nurseries